Solar Excavator Operator Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Join one of Rochester's Top Workplaces!

We would love to welcome you to the team!

Loyal to People. Loyal to Planet.

GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people and planet, creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community. We feel a huge responsibility to succeed at GreenSpark. As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, the planet, and profits (providing capital to grow, revenue to share among our employees, and a return to our investors). It is important work that directly impacts our employees and their families, our customers, and the residents of the communities where we do business, along with our local and broader global environment, but we have fun doing it. Our workplace reflects our values — our office is directly powered by onsite wind turbines and solar panels, our fleet includes all-electric and hybrid vehicles, dogs roam the office, and we strive to be an unabashedly inclusive, diverse workplace.

Our Core Values

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator to join our dynamic Self-Performance team. The Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment crucial for the installation of PV systems. Operating various heavy machinery is integral to tasks such as excavation, backfilling, material handling, loading, and unloading. This position demands outdoor work in diverse weather conditions, utilizing both manual and power tools.

The Commercial Heavy Equipment Operator day to day responsibilities include:

• Operate heavy equipment at large-scale PV solar sites, including but not limited to skid steer, telehandler, and excavator.

• Perform general maintenance on heavy equipment, trailers, etc., including greasing, fluid checks/fills, fueling, and conducting regular inspections for wear and tear.

• Maintain records of equipment maintenance in Fleetio or other approved databases.

• Interpret construction plans to plan trench paths and pad work effectively.

• Collaborate with site foremen and pod leaders to execute tasks efficiently.

• Prepare equipment pads for concrete by digging and stoning.

• Backfill trenches and grade areas as required.

• Restore excavation sites to their original condition.

• Coordinate with external vendors to order necessary materials and arrange equipment repairs.

• Develop expertise in electrical code relevant to underground work.

• Ensure safe loading/unloading of machines and equipment onto trailers for transportation.

• Set up safety boundaries and adhere to trench and equipment safety protocols.

• Mobilize and demobilize job sites as needed.

• Assist in maintaining SWPPP compliance on job sites (SWPPP certification preferable).

• Repair and maintain job site roads as required.

• Provide assistance to the installation crew during periods of low operator-specific tasks.

• Demonstrate flexibility by performing various tasks, including material procurement on-site, as directed by the supervisor.

• Train fellow employees on safe equipment operation as requested.

• Uphold a positive and sober work ethic, adhering to the company's zero-tolerance policy regarding substance use.

These are our education & qualification requirements:

• High School Diploma or Vocational training in a closely related field

• Minimum of 2-4 years of Heavy Equipment Operation experience

• Previous experience loading and unloading equipment

• OSHA 10 certification

• Ability to travel up to 75% of time, with flexible hours inclusive of weekends and holidays

• A background in PV installation is preferred, but not required.

• Heavy equipment certifications preferred

• CDL preferred, but not required

• Clean driving record

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Commitment to safety protocols and regulations.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to the GreenSpark work culture.

• Physical Requirements:

  • Capable of lifting up to 75 pounds from the ground.

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

  • Strong visual acuity to discern between sounds typical of construction sites.

Here’s a peek of our perks & benefits!

• Competitive Base hourly rate: $25-$35+ per hour (Eligible employees may earn prevailing wage compensation on designated projects, which may increase the regular hourly rate by approximately 80–90%, depending on the project location and applicable county wage requirements.)

• Weekly pay

• Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance.

• Per Diem allowance/mileage reimbursement when applicable

• Company vehicle

• Provision of necessary tools, gear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for job tasks.

• Medical & Dental Insurance

• 401(k) option

• Up to 3 weeks (120 hours) of paid time off (PTO) annually

• 12 days (96 hours) of paid Sick Leave

• Eight Paid Company-Wide Closure Days

• Professional development opportunities

• Annual company retreat

• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and counseling services.

GreenSpark Solar is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and seek to remove barriers and increase opportunities, access, and advancement for all people. Do not let historical barriers prevent you from jumping on this life-changing opportunity – reach out and ask questions if you have them – we are here!